We advertise to seniors via the web, and would be happy to link our
sites to your site(s). But you wrote "offline". Does that mean you
intend to send out hard-copy?

Tom Markham
(925) 979-5673 Office (8:00-5:00 PST)
(800) 899-9924 Office
(212) 212-3228  Cell

On 12/26/2011 9:13 PM, Sharron wrote:
> I would like to add an offline newsletter as a method to market to
> seniors and their families...

Tom- I would be interested in linking sites? http://ezseniormove.com

Thanks,

Kathryn

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Markham

We advertise to seniors via the web, and would be happy to link our
sites to your site(s). But you wrote "offline". Does that mean you
intend to send out hard-copy?

Readers, I have two new resources available for you.

-----

In this month's Get Clients Now! E-Letter:

<< Is It Time to Stop Blaming the Economy?

Every day, I hear self-employed professionals blaming the economy for their
business woes. "People aren't buying right now," they say. Or, "With the economy
this bad, I can't..." Or, "When the economy improves, I'll..."

But what if the economy doesn't improve any time soon? What if the conditions we
are experiencing now are the new conditions for the foreseeable future? What
might that suggest about how you should be marketing your business? >>

Read the full article at
http://www.getclientsnow.com/blaming-economy.htm

-----

In the Get Clients Now! Answer Center:

<< Life-in-a-Notebook Planning System

Clients and students often ask me, "C.J., you always seem to have a million
things going on. How do you keep track of it all?" Their questions imply that
they believe I am more organized, focused, or productive than the average bear.
Personally, I'm not so sure that's true. You should see my desk, for example!
But I do have a system, and in honor of New Year's resolution-makers everywhere,
I'm going to share it with y'all. >>

Read the full entry at http://www.getclientsnow.net

-----

Enjoy!

-- C.J.

----
C.J. Hayden, MCC
Author, Get Clients Now! (tm) & Get Hired Now! (tm)
Wings for Business LLC, San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-8845 or (877) 946-4722 in the U.S.
http://www.getclientsnow.com
----

Hi CJ.

I have been working through the wookbook recently (over xmas) and have run into
a bit of conceptual problem I am hoping you can help clear up.

I am up to creating the marketing plan and planning the model month, which is
where I'm stuck.

Specifically, quantifying the tactics that I have chosen to do, and the example
you provide in the box (bottom page 42).  My questions are these:

1.  the 5 columns, are these all estimates, or do the prospects and
presentation relate back to "how many/how often" based on the previously
calculated formula?
2.  Are the hours and dollars a total estimate, or a formula based on an amount
per prospect/sale.
3.  what does the "how many/how often" actually mean, and how can I relate this
to prospects and presentations.  For example, 2 of my tactics selected are my
blog, and develop/cultivate referral partners.  I have no idea what numbers can
be directly attributable to these, if any at all.  Another is other's web sites
linking to mine.
4. In your example, is it meant to show that in doing warm calls to
contacts, you'll do 8 per week being 32 for the month, which you expect the
spend 6.5 hours across the month doing this (in this case, not spending any
money)?

Thanks CJ.  look forward to hearing back soon.

Regards
Michael Martion.

I have worked for corporates for ages, wanted to go direct for ever and always
ended up using agents - not the answer.  I want to provide a great service to
the client direct I see in the UK, which has a different approach to the US (who
are less political?) a way forward through the emerging web sites that give
clients more chance to review, see, segregate to a tight list of possibles.

A good website, newsletter, video as with your ingredients of your cook book
approach

Clear goal to finish web and video this week

Some other interesting approaches are at:
www.kevinkermes.com - uses linked to target the budget
www.angelnews.com - pitch direct to Venture capitalists, would this work in the
US, it is not a million miles from X factor!

As for me, off to complete tasks for Friday.  Have a good week

Bob
www.bobmenlove.com

PS Web developing and as for marketing expertise ready to learn

Bob said:
<< ...A good website, newsletter, video as with your ingredients of your cook
book approach ... off to complete tasks for Friday. >>

Bob, welcome to the group. I'm happy to hear you are moving forward on your Get
Clients Now! program. Keep in mind (advice for not just you, but other GCN users
as well) that the ingredients are important, but it's the action steps that
ultimately produce results.

So working to complete tools like those mentioned above is great, but what
counts most is how you make use of the tools once you have them. This is
especially important with web-based approaches, where a high-quality website
doesn't always attract more visitors. Make sure you include plenty of action in
your plan, aimed at getting people to visit your site, view your video,
subscribe to your newsletter, etc.

Good luck!

-- C.J.

----
C.J. Hayden, MCC
Author, Get Clients Now! (tm) & Get Hired Now! (tm)
Wings for Business LLC, San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-8845 or (877) 946-4722 in the U.S.
http://www.getclientsnow.com
----

Michael asked:
<< I have been working through the wookbook... My questions are these:

1. the 5 columns, are these all estimates, or do the prospects and presentation
relate back to "how many/how often" based on the previously calculated formula?
>>

Michael, I love your detailed questions about The One-Person Marketing Plan
Workbook, because you are clearly working to create a realistic, effective plan.

The 5 columns -- How Often/How Many, Hours, Dollars, Prospects, and Presents --
are mostly estimates, but they are intelligent estimates. For example, if you
decide to attend 1 networking meeting per month, it might cost you $20 for the
entrance fee, and 3 hours of time. You might expect, if the meeting were in line
with your target market, to meet 6 prospects there. Based on your earlier
calculation of how many prospects you need to land one presentation, this might
result in 1 presentation.

You are just guessing how many prospects this activity will generate, but the
number of presentations should be based on the "Number of prospects per
presentation"ť you put on your Marketing Goals Worksheet. This might itself be
an estimate, or you might know this number from your previous track record with
sales and marketing.

<< 2. Are the hours and dollars a total estimate, or a formula based on an
amount per prospect/sale. >>

The hours and dollars are an estimate of the total required for the activity you
named. You should cross-check these estimates against the hours and dollars you
previously calculated you have available, as described on page 43. So you would
a] choose a tactic (e.g. attend networking meeting), b] quantify it (e.g. once
per month), c] estimate how many hours/dollars this would take (e.g. 3 hrs;
$20), d] estimate how many prospects/presents this would generate (e.g. 6; 1),
then look back to your earlier calculation of how many hours/dollars you have
available per prospect/present to make sure this tactic "qualifies" to be in
your plan. For example, acquiring 6 prospects in 3 hours = .5 hours per
prospect. If your Marketing Hours Worksheet indicates you have this much time
available, this tactic can stay in your plan.

<< 3. what does the "how many/how often" actually mean, and how can I relate
this to prospects and presentations. For example, 2 of my tactics selected are
my blog, and develop/cultivate referral partners. I have no idea what numbers
can be directly attributable to these, if any at all. Another is other's web
sites linking to mine. >>

All of these are estimates; you just try to be as realistic as possible. Your
blog, for example. How often do you think you will blog? Weekly? Twice per week?
How many readers does your blog have, based on whatever subscriber/visitor
numbers you can obtain? Your how many/how often could be "1000 readers/once per
week."ť

Out of that number of readers, how many might you estimate would be prospects
(defined as people in your target market who are likely to need your services
and be able to afford them)? Just be sure you are maintaining the same
definition of who is a "prospect"ť through all your calculations, and then you
can use your previously defined "prospects per presentation" ratio to calculate
the number of presentations that should generate.

You are guessing at much of this, and that's OK. The point is to compel yourself
to have reasonable expectations. Will your blog have 1000 readers the day it
launches? No. Will you blog every day? Probably not. Will all of your readers
actually be prospects for your services? Highly unlikely. Do the best you can,
and you will be doing better than most people EVER do at making their plans
realistic.

<< 4. In your example, is it meant to show that in doing warm calls to contacts,
you'll do 8 per week being 32 for the month, which you expect the spend 6.5
hours across the month doing this (in this case, not spending any money)? >>

Yes, that's exactly right.

Feel free to ask again if any of these answers aren't clear. And if any other
readers are wondering what the heck we are talking about, check out The
One-Person Marketing Plan Workbook at
http://www.getclientsnow.com/marketing-plan-workbook.htm

-- C.J.

----
C.J. Hayden, MCC
Author, Get Clients Now! (tm) & Get Hired Now! (tm)
Wings for Business LLC, San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-8845 or (877) 946-4722 in the U.S.
http://www.getclientsnow.com
----

Hi all GCN members!

I am a Chartered Accountant starting a new business from absolute scratch. I
have been given a lead for a potential new client whom I have yet to contact and
set up an initial "meet & greet".

My dilema is this:

I really concerned that the meeting will get ruined - either at the initial
contact - or at the next stage when I ask them to sign up to my service
offerings, that if/when the prospect asks to speak to someone else for a
testimonial/referral.  I've got nothing to give.  they will effectively be the
first; the guinea pig, so to speak.

What do I do?  What do I say?  What DON'T I say?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all!

Michael.

Hi Michael,

I say be honest.  Let them know that they are the first if they ask.
Everyone has a first.

If this really bothers you maybe you can contact your local SCORE office
http://www.score.org and volunteer your time for a few months and do some pro
bono work there. You can ask the people you are assisting to give you a
testimonial and build up your testimonial portfolio and your skills if need be
this way.

Never let being new stop you as some may prefer a Chartered Accountant being
that you may have up-to-date knowledge.

-Carla

Carla Kroger
Daily Administration
Ph:  507 412 8410 | E-mail: carlak@...
Web: http://www.dailyadministration.com
http://twitter.com/allcaughtup Twitter  |
http://www.facebook.com/dailyadministration Facebook |
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=21047355&trk=tab_pro
LinkedIn
Business Growth Begins With Quality Support

Michael,

I agree with Carla. The potential client should be aware you are starting a new
business. Make the appointment more about making the client comfortable with
working with you and your qualifications that will allow you to provide them
services.

I think you are worrying over a minor detail in the big picture. :)
Thanks

Erica

"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of
others are often stiffened."
B. Graham

You have referrals--the professionals that you have worked with in the
past. Your colleagues can testify about the quality of your work,
even if your relationship was not client-accountant.  This isn't your first day
as an accountant; this is just your first day on your own. One doesn't become a
Chartered Accountant by accident or alone.  Use what you have.  (Though,
frankly, I will bet money that your lead won't ask for testimonials because you
were referred to him/her by a third-party.)

Good luck.

Sharmil McKee
Business Attorney
Philadelphia, PA

Like us on Facebook for news about RFP's and funding opportunities at
www.facebook.com/mckeelaw

Hi Michael,



A quick tip from The Netherlands:

.         you have one single advantage above all the others: they will have
your undivided attention, what more could they ask for?

.         You might give them a free run for a month or so, then they can have
an idea of what you are really worth. Such an offer shows that you really
understand what their dillemma is and are willing to invest in building a long
lasting business relationship

Good luck and can you let us know how your meeting went afterwards?

Regards,

Hans van Diest

+31 6 53 78 88 66

-----------------------------------
Adviesbureau De Versnelling bv
chamber of commerce: 24414785
http://www.de-versnelling.nl
-----------------------------------

If you keep the focus on their needs and wants, you may never even face the
thing that you fear.

You may want to consider identifying your core issue that has you fearing a
particular outcome and deal with that before you embark to heartily on your new
adventure.

As far as not having references, I agree with others that you DO have references
to verify your work and your character.

I'd be quick to point out the beauty of their getting access to you now, before
you encounter the backlog of people wanting to get to work with you, but unable
to as your agenda will quickly fill up due to the excellence of your work.
Besides, that's a much better vision than fearing failure.

Good luck,

Rick

Michael asked:
<<... when the prospect asks to speak to someone else for a
testimonial/referral. I've got nothing to give. they will effectively be the
first; the guinea pig, so to speak.

What do I do? What do I say? What DON'T I say? >>

Michael, what you DON'T say is anything that will shake their confidence in you
right off the bat, and what you DO say is a truthful answer that presents you in
the best light.

As others have said, tell the truth. But at the same time, don't let them
believe you are inexperienced.

An answer like this would be perfect: "I've been doing accounting work for X
years and have experience with Y and Z (tasks they would like you to perform for
them). I recently completed all the requirements to become a Chartered
Accountant, and set up my own practice. I'd be happy to provide references from
clients/peers/supervisors I served during my employment."

For more suggestions, see my article "Handling Tough Questions from Prospects"
at
http://www.getclientsnow.net/2007/08/13/handling-tough-questions/

Good luck,
C.J.

----
C.J. Hayden, MCC
Author, Get Clients Now! (tm) & Get Hired Now! (tm)
Wings for Business LLC, San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-8845 or (877) 946-4722 in the U.S.
http://www.getclientsnow.com
----

Hi there,
I agree with Rick and the others. I started my own business from scratch last
year. But before I embarked on this new journey, I made sure I got letters of
recommendation from all my past supervisors and colleagues. Though the type of
work was not the same, it clearly demonstrated my dedication, my intelligence,
my skillset and my character.

My business is a tax and bookkeeping firm and while I had never worked
under anyone as either title, having the Human Resources, Recruiiting,
Office Manager and Executive Assistant along with my bilingual skills, in oil &
gas industries and start up companies, this really helped a lot. I was able to
prove that if I am able to undertake executive type responsibilities in
corporate environments, I was, no doubt ready for a small business as mine.

Just like Rick says, your confidence and your skillset will no doubt lead you to
the needs of the client. It happened to me. Rarely did anyone ask me for
references. I was used to dealing with top entreprenuers at my previous jobs, so
this was a walk in the park for me. The confidence exuded and the clients can
perceive it.

--
Mirza Gamez
Bookkeeping, Tax, Payroll
(281) 836-3677 Tel
(832) 204-8410 Fax
Email: mirza@...
Web: www.gameztaxservices.com

Hi Michael,

A few years back I was in the exact position as you. So I can completely
understand and empathize with what you are experiencing.

I went in to see my first "potential" client. I was very nervous, but trusted
that my background and training in my field gave me leverage over the client who
didn't know anything about my field. She was reaching out to me for help. I was
honest but quite nervous. She even sensed how nervous I was and went and asked
my colleague if I had ever seen clients before. I'm not sure how my colleague
answered her.

But my intention for that first session was just to see if I could honestly be
of any help to her and that's how I portrayed myself. I didn't put any pressure
on myself to "perform" or to "sell." I just made it a casual meeting of the
minds.

Long story short, she has remained with me as one of my longest standing client.

I also agree with what everyone else has said, because you will have many
"first" experiences, and all these tools will become handy.

Best wishes,

Ellie Zarrabian, Ph.D.
Psychotherapy and Shamanic Healing Practices

Centerpeace Foundation
Website: www.centeronpeace.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellie.zarrabian
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mobileshrink
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elliezarrabian
Tel: 310-498-3573

Peace emanates from the soul, and is the sacred inner environment in which true
happiness unfolds." --Yogananda

The format and the disciple will be very effective...may need industry specific
ideas  for success ingredients. Anyone else working with an unusual business or
market?

Upcoming Programme:  Get Clients Now!
Course Leader: Sheena King, Licensed Facilitator

Starts 22nd February 2012 with the first 90-minute seminar, then the second on
29th February 2012 by telephone. This is followed by 5 group coaching sessions
by telephone over 28 days.

For information and bookings: www.sheenaking.com, email: coaching@...
or tel: (+44) 01494 773016.

Maria asked:

<< ...may need industry specific ideas for success ingredients. >>

Maria, I've worked with several fine artists using GCN, and while of course many
standard success ingredients apply, we've added or modified others. For example:

o Instead of a prospect list, you might have a list of prospective galleries,
group shows, or competitions.
o Instead of speaking venues, you could have venues where you might give a solo
show.
o Instead of writing venues, you could have venues where you might donate a
piece of your work, such as a museum or fundraiser.
o A promotion concept might be holding an open studio or participating in a
community open studio week.
o Your portfolio might be completely online, and move from the closing sales
stage up to the getting presentations stage, if you are using it to find gallery
representation.
o You might add items to the list such as composing an artist statement,
collecting positive reviews, or taking photos of your recent work.

Any other ideas for Maria, folks? Or examples of success ingredients you've
added to the list or modified?

-- C.J.

----
C.J. Hayden, MCC
Author, Get Clients Now! (tm) & Get Hired Now! (tm)
Wings for Business LLC, San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-8845 or (877) 946-4722 in the U.S.
http://www.getclientsnow.com
----

Maria asked:

<< ...may need industry specific ideas for success ingredients. >>

Maria  - check out Molly Gordon's site for more ideas for the
artist+entreprenuer.

http://www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatemt/sample.html

Jennifer

Hi Great and Wonderful People,

I live in Western Massachusetts and would like to find a Get Clients Now buddy
or buddies to help me stay focused with the program. I'm a published author and
national public speaker. Thanks for your interest, and good luck with your work.

All the best,
Sue Blauner

Hi there all, I'm looking for a GetClientsNow buddy or better yet, Mastermind
Group in Minneapolis area... anyone available? I have an internet marketing
company and looking to triple my numbers this year.

Thanks,
glory

Hello,
I am new to the GCN system.  I am looking for a buddy to begin working the
system, as I am very motivated to get started.

Thanks.

Hi there,

I did the GCN program a few years back - it was pretty successful then. Well I'm
back in the position of needing a few more clients so I've dusted down the book
and got back online on the forum.

Is there anyone out there who would like to form a support group to do the
program? I'm in London so it would probably work best if we said anyone in
Europe or the America's. We could support each other via email or Skype calls.

Let me know if you're interested. I can't remember if I can post contact details
here but if I can -- email me at davidhinde@... or reply to this post

Kind regards

Dave Hinde

Hi

If you live in the Pioneer Valley and want to team up, that would be fantastic.

Sue

Readers, I have two new articles and an upcoming event to
tell you about.

-----

In this month's Get Clients Now! E-Letter:

<< What If You Were Wrong About Marketing?
by C.J. Hayden

Lately, I've been playing the "what if you were wrong" game
with my coaching clients. It goes like this:

Client: Jane at XYZ Company hasn't called me back. They
must not want to hire me.
C.J.: What if you were wrong about that?
Client: Hmm, maybe I should call her and ask what's up?

In this example, a moment's consideration about the
possibility that his thinking might be off base transformed
my client's discouraged paralysis into productive action.
Examining where you might be wrong about marketing can be
an extremely useful exercise for any entrepreneur. Consider
these examples: >>

Read the full article at
http://www.getclientsnow.com/what-if-wrong.htm

-----

In the Get Clients Now! Answer Center:

<< Four Things You Must Do Before You Make the Sale
by Frank Traditi

Why is it so hard for small business owners and independent
professionals to make the sale? I think we've forgotten the
basic building blocks of two-way communication that allow a
sale to take place. We're looking for the Holy Grail of
techniques that will bring in more business. A silver
bullet sales process. The perfect close. A sales letter
that will attract droves of new clients. A software program
that automatically sells your service with a touch of a
button.

While any of these magic formulas might land you some
clients if you deploy them correctly, they won’t work
unless you consistently practice a critically important
communication strategy. >>

Read the full entry at
http://www.getclientsnow.net/2012/01/10/make-the-sale/

-----

Feb 13-Mar 8, 2012
Client Allure Virtual Retreat
Teleconference/Webcast

I'll be one of 16 speakers at the FREE Client Allure
Virtual Retreat. I'll be speaking on the topic "Want More
Clients? Learn to Love Your Prospects."ť From the successful
women entrepreneurs in this series, you'll learn how to
raise your visibility and get speaking gigs and media
coverage, craft an irresistible marketing message, drive
traffic to your website, charge what you deserve, have
smooth confident sales conversations, turn Facebook fans
into paying customers, and increase your income with ease
and grace. You can access the sessions by phone, Skype, or
webcast, and each one will be replayed if you can't attend
live.

For full details and to register at no charge, visit
http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=1415193

-----

Enjoy!

-- C.J.

----
C.J. Hayden, MCC
Author, Get Clients Now! (tm) & Get Hired Now! (tm)
Wings for Business LLC, San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-8845 or (877) 946-4722 in the U.S.
http://www.getclientsnow.com
----

I'd like to find an on-the-ground support group in San Diego, California to work
the program with. I am a clinical psychologist with some specialty niches.
Please let me know if there is any interest.

Sandra B.

Readers, in honor of International Coaching Week last week, I shared some of the
principles I use in coaching my clients -- entrepreneurs on a mission. This
three-part series consists of:

1. Get clear about your mission.

<< Congratulations! You've discovered you're an entrepreneur on a mission. But
when someone asks you to explain what your mission is, it no longer seems as
clear as it did when the light bulb first went on in your head. One's mission
can be a slippery thing, morphing from one shape to another depending on the
circumstance, and often seeming to defy words. >>

Read the full post at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150658597490871

-----

2. What's your business model?

<< If you spend any amount of time hanging around with entrepreneurial
innovators, visionaries, and reformers, you'll hear this question frequently.
Entrepreneur #1 sketches out his or her brave new idea for making a living at
changing the world, and Entrepreneur #2 asks, "What's your business model?"ť >>

Read the full post at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150664071680871

-----

3. Overcome fear, procrastination, and self-doubt.

<< Business would be a lot easier if we didn't keep getting in our own way. But
the reality is that the biggest obstacles to our business success are usually
ourselves. We fear taking chances or being rejected, we procrastinate about
doing what we know is needed, and we doubt our ability to succeed. Welcome to
the wonderful world of entrepreneurship! >>

Read the full post at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150677566705871

-----

If you'd like to see future posts like these, you're welcome to friend me on
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cjhayden

-- C.J.

----
C.J. Hayden, MCC, CPCC
Author, Get Clients Now!™ & Get Hired Now!™
Wings for Business LLC, San Francisco, CA
(415) 981-8845 or (877) 946-4722 in the U.S.
http://www.getclientsnow.com
http://www.cjhayden.com
http://www.socialentrepreneurcoach.com
----
Guiding entrepreneurs to make a difference

Hello

I'm looking for a GCN buddy who is a service provider and sells
direct to consumers rather than businesses.  In terms of the logistics,
it would be preferred if the buddy is from the UK, Europe or US. The
plan is to have a weekly group call via Skype, either on a Tuesday
orThursday.  Ideally, the GCN buddy should be interested in productising
their services so that you generate passive income online.  E.g. Sales
of ebooks, DVDs etc.

If you are interested in joining the group, please contact me via e-mail
at cli51@... <mailto:cli51@...>  by Sunday 4 March at
the latest.

Many thanks

Carol

Hi,

I'm trying to put together a buddy group to support people on the GCN program.
The group will be for people selling products and services to businesses rather
than consumers, i.e B2B marketing.

We are going to do the meetings on Skype - probably about every fortnight.
Anyone in American or European or equivalent time zones are welcome.

If you want more details email me at davidhinde@...

Kind regards

David